Swimming Pools & Spas

 A building permit is required for the construction of all safety barriers and all types of pools and spas capable of holding more than 300mm of water in depth. A permit is also required if you are installing new or altering any part of an existing safety barrier.

What is a Swimming Pool or Spa?

A swimming pool or spa is any excavation or structure capable of containing a depth of water greater than 300mm and used principally for swimming, wading, paddling, or the like.  This includes any inflatable or temporary swimming pools or a spa that has a lockable cover.

Safety barriers are not required for bird baths, fish ponds, fountains, dams and water storage tanks, however the owner has a duty of care to ensure these are safe.

Maintaining your Safety Barrier

As an owner of a swimming pool or spa, you are required under the building regulations for ensuring any fence or barrier restricting access to a swimming pool or spa is maintained and operating effectively.  A maintenance checklist (also available as a Mobile app) is available from Royal Life Saving Australia.  Non-compliance, for any reason, can increase the risk of drowning and lead to prosecution.

Registering your Swimming Pool or Spa

New laws require pool and spa owners to register with their local council by 1 June 2020 and get their barrier checked every 4 years.

Since 2000, 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas. In at least 20 of those cases, the non-compliance of the safety barrier is likely to have played a role.

Please contact Council's Building Department on 03 5232 9400 to register your pool or spa.  This allows us to assist you with your responsibilities in maintaining your safety barrier through Council's audit process.